What do we know about the clashes between Moroccan law enforcement and migrants heading for Ceuta?

Moroccan security forces clashed with dozens of migrants, mainly from sub-Saharan Africa, who were attempting to cross the border illegally into the Spanish city of Ceuta. The clashes took place in a mountainous area about three kilometres from the Ceuta border, on the outskirts of the Moroccan town of Fnideq (Castillejos). According to a report on the Spanish news agency Efe’s website, security forces used tear gas to disperse the migrants, with the support of helicopters. A total of 148 migrants were reportedly intercepted, 128 of whom were from sub-Saharan African countries and 20 were Moroccan nationals.

Footage broadcast by the Spanish public broadcaster TVE shows several hundred sub-Saharan migrants attempting to advance from the high ground, which is being monitored by dozens of police officers and members of the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie, as well as by drones. Meanwhile, military vehicles are deployed on the Spanish side of the border. According to TVE, at least 110 people have been arrested following the clashes.

According to sources at the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, following the influx on 30 and 31 July, when around 80,000 people entered Ceuta, controls have been further tightened. There are currently 880 National Police officers deployed, 270 more than at the end of July; 714 Civil Guard officers, nearly 200 more, as well as a unit of 45 riot police officers, who are joining those already deployed, and 20 specialists from the Central Brigade for Immigration and Borders, to examine applications for international protection that may be submitted by migrants remaining in the exclave. Around 2,000 army personnel also remain deployed. Meanwhile, on the Moroccan side of the border, a total of 5,000 officers are reported to have been deployed, according to local media reports.

According to estimates by the security forces, there are still around 5,000 irregular migrants in the city, whilst an average of 200 voluntary repatriations to Morocco are recorded each day.